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In the grand scheme of things, does your branch of service really matter all that much? We can all agree that one’s branch of service holds some importance, gives specific identity and shapes how you may look at things –BUT – in front of every branch name is the designation “United States”. We are brothers and sisters from the same family. Yes, there are stepbrothers, sibling rivalry, and constant inter-branch squabbling. The bottom line is we all wear or have worn the uniform, we have all sworn an oath, and we all belong to the dysfunctional, dis-jointed family we fondly call the military.
We can freely admit there are rivalries … Army versus Navy, Marines versus anybody, Air Force versus everybody, and the Coast Guard versus – well, it is just the coast guard so, um, anyway. The point is, branch gives you some identity but family gives you vision, family gives you strength, and if we have to admit it this family is at its best when every member works together to complete a mission. If you remove one branch from the circle things begin to get complicated. It may be hard to admit that we need each other sometimes, but we know, deep down, we have each other’s back all the time. Take one look at your contacts list … most of you have a mixture of people from every branch, rank, and specialty on the map.
I guess I’m saying that while I’m proud of my Army history and heritage, I am also very proud to have some really weird, goofy brothers and sisters from those “other” branches that make my FAMILY so unique. Thank you for your service – whatever branch that may come from.
We can freely admit there are rivalries … Army versus Navy, Marines versus anybody, Air Force versus everybody, and the Coast Guard versus – well, it is just the coast guard so, um, anyway. The point is, branch gives you some identity but family gives you vision, family gives you strength, and if we have to admit it this family is at its best when every member works together to complete a mission. If you remove one branch from the circle things begin to get complicated. It may be hard to admit that we need each other sometimes, but we know, deep down, we have each other’s back all the time. Take one look at your contacts list … most of you have a mixture of people from every branch, rank, and specialty on the map.
I guess I’m saying that while I’m proud of my Army history and heritage, I am also very proud to have some really weird, goofy brothers and sisters from those “other” branches that make my FAMILY so unique. Thank you for your service – whatever branch that may come from.
Posted in these groups: 
Branch
Branch
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 72
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This doesn't sound like you want input. It sounds more like a PSA telling us to put our bullshit aside. That said, I am onboard. Some of my favorite coworkers hail from other services.
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We all have our jobs to do, and all services have a proud heritage. One other thing, we serve the greatest nation in the free world!
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Individually, yes it matters. I joined the Army and don't regret a thing. I honestly couldn't see myself in any of the other branches. It was the best fit for me and what I was looking for.
Collectively, not at all! We are all brothers and sisters in arms and should respect and honor each other equally regardless of branch.
For the record, I have family that represents all of the branches dating back to WWII. I'm proud as hell of my Navy, Air Force, and Marine family!
Collectively, not at all! We are all brothers and sisters in arms and should respect and honor each other equally regardless of branch.
For the record, I have family that represents all of the branches dating back to WWII. I'm proud as hell of my Navy, Air Force, and Marine family!
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CPT Richard Riley
You have an honest outlook. In many ways I feel the same - the Army was the best fit for me, but I have family and friends in all the other branches. I don't find a negative in any of them, just a better fit for myself.
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SFC Richard M.
Thanks, I'm interested to see how many unbiased responses you get. Interesting topic by the way.
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SSG (Join to see)
I started my military life in the Air Force back in the 80's and wouldn't trade a moment of it. It was a very good fit for me. When I returned to military service in 2006 the National Guard was the best fit for me given where I was in life. I don't regret joining the Army National Guard and continuing my service in this uniform either.
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CPT Richard Riley
All true SGT Francis Wright yet sometimes we have those who decide they just have to 'take sides'. No harm, no foul, but you can certainly learn a lot when they do.
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SGT Francis Wright
CPT Richard Riley, that is why I feel that the Marines are not a good fit for Embassy duty. Hasn't been since '79. I remember when during SDT training, and all the MP's were told we were to aggressive. I informed the OIC in charge; that is how it is done and that is how we are trained. Because if the wrong person or persons get into a sensitive area, it is then to late.
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U.S. Military 101 - The "Basics" of the United States Military
http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/military101.htm
http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/military101.htm
The Basics of the United States Military
The basic description of the United States Military, including the mission of the five military branches, organizational chain of command, and an overview of military ranks.
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CPT Richard Riley
LCpl Dave Walter I have always enjoyed a marines point-of-view & can lay claim to having many friends in the marine ranks. It's certainly a different view but well worth the time to understand it!
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LCpl Dave Walter
LOL, it's all good, Sir. I also have friends and family in other branches of service. My daughter recently EAS'd from the Navy. I have a Cousin in the Corps, and one was Army, an Uncle in the Air Force during 'Nam. Its always a different environment, but I am in total agreement with you, no matter what branch it is, the words "United States" appears in front of them all. We are all brothers and sisters in arms. Semper Fi, Sir.
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CPT Richard Riley
Every branch has it's positives and few drawbacks. I have, over many years, gained a slew of marine friends who look at their branch very differently from other services - that is for sure.
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I believe we are becoming more of a joint operating force than ever before. I was fortunate to serve in a joint environment in Iraq (CJSOTF-AP) and the capabilities of this unit were limitless.
I picture us in 50 years wearing one uniform and "branch" badges.
I picture us in 50 years wearing one uniform and "branch" badges.
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CPT Richard Riley
You're probably right in the future, especially when you have to factor in budgets and operational logistics. We're likely to see a more simplified approach.
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Bottom line: does Branch matter? NO. Each person joined the branch (or branches if long haul more then 1) for specific reasons. Each branch has their strong points....each one has limitations. Combined....well, I think we have shown the world a few times over what we can really do when working joint ops!!
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CPT Richard Riley
You fall into the majority Maj Chris Nelson Many have made points that while Branch doesn't matter, there are intrinsic values to each that draw an individual to it.
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This is a great summation of why the Goldwater - Nichols Act in 1986 was such a great thing. I think had this question been asked before then or even in the years right after the responses would have been much different.
I think the would be great benefit to have a similar style act for inter-agency coordination. We in the DoD get the lion's share of the budget and personnel, but the DoS is better equipped for nation building, so it would be of great benefit to have better coordinated operations.
I think the would be great benefit to have a similar style act for inter-agency coordination. We in the DoD get the lion's share of the budget and personnel, but the DoS is better equipped for nation building, so it would be of great benefit to have better coordinated operations.
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CPT Richard Riley
Thanks for the added information LTC (Join to see) now I'm going to have to do my homework and look the Goldwater-Nichols Act in 1986 to get up to your speed. I appreciate the insight.
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